Presented by: Bagsic, Mary Lorraine O.

Region XIII or the Caraga

Administrative Region is the
newest region in the Philippines
created under Republic Act No.
7901 on February 25, 1995.

PROVINCES:
Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Sur
Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Sur
Dinagat Islands
Butuan City is the regional
center.

The word Caraga originated from

the Visayan word Kalagan:
Kalag meaning soul or
people
An meaning land
The Kalagans was later called

The Kalagans have a long

history of being brave and
fearless. Thus, the region was
called by early chroniclers as the
Land of the Brave and Fierce
People.

Caraga was called "region de

gente animosa", that is "region of
spirited men"

Another fictional etymology of the

name "Caraga" flows from a local
legend as coming from the word
"Cagang", a numerous small crabs
matting the beach of Caraga,
which is also known as "katang" to
the native Caraguenos.

Early inhabitants of Caraga:

Mainland Asians
Malayans
Arabs
Chinese
Japanese
Spanish
Americans

There are 2,095,367

inhabitants in CARAGA as of
2000.

GEOGRAPHY

Butuan Bay and Surigao Strait surrounds it on

the north, and the Philippine Sea on the east.
On the South are the Davao provinces and
Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon on the west.
Its proximity to other growth areas such as
the Cagayan - Iligan corridor and the Davao
Gulf Economic Zone is an advantage.

Forestland in the region accounts

for an estimated 71% of its total
land area. The rest are devoted to
agriculture and other purposes.
Forest cover is decreasing due to
encroachment/poaching.

It has excellent tourism potentials

because of its unspoiled and
beautiful beaches, abundant and
fresh seafood, ancient and
historical landmarks, hot and cold
springs, evergreen forests and
balmy weather.

While in the region, tourists can

choose from a variety of activities,
these includes surfing in Siargao,
the reputed surfing capital of the
Philippines, island-hopping,
mountain-biking, trekking, scuba
diving and caving.

The region in general has no

definite dry season. Rainfall occurs
throughout the year with heavy
rains from November to January.
Storms might occur on the
northern and eastern portions
facing the Pacific Ocean. The rest
of the region are relatively
typhoon-free.

The region is noted for its wood

based economy, its extensive
water resources and its rich
mineral deposits such as iron,
gold, silver, nickel, chromite,
manganese and copper. Its leading
crops are palay, banana and
coconut.

WHAT TO EXPECT
WHEN YOU VISIT
CARAGA

Tourist Destinations

Magellan Marker : this

edifice located at
themouth of Agusan
river in present day
Magallanes, is the site of
the first catholic mass in
Mindanao on April
8,1521. Magallanes, in the
olden days was called
Baug, formerly the site of
Butuan.

Centennial Bitaug Tree:More than 500 years

old this was declared a centennial tree by the
Phil. CentennialCommission on June 3, 1998.
Location: Brgy. Caloc-an, Magallanes.

Cabadbaran Ancestral
Houses:Cabadbarans
Ancestral houses are
predominantly old
Spanish architecture. The
most prominent of them
is the AtegaAncestral
Home, the biggest and
most beautifully
preserved in Caraga. It is
the abode of
Cabadbarans
revolutionary hero Don
Andres Atega.

Our Lady of Assumption Church:After the devastating

typhoon in 1876, Fr. Urios instigated Jabonganons to look
for a higherground for a permanent church. Fr. Chambo,
SJ, started construction in 1878. Fr. Llobera, SJ, blessed it
during the feast of Corpus Cristi, June 17, 1897.Today, it is
the oldest Spanish church in the whole Caraga.

Cabadbaran Museum:This is a mini-museum located at

the ground floor of TeofistoGuingona Sr. Hall. It is a
repository to the towns old documents, as well as
artifacts from Cabadbarans 4 archeological sites

MT. MAGDIWATA (San Francisco). This mystical mountain

stands 633 meters high, perfect for a fun climb to
regular mountaineers. It is San Franciscos sole-source of
potable water supply and is a recipient of the DENRs
reforestation program dubbed as Billion Tree Act.

AGUSAN MARSH. The

largest marshland in
the Philippines holding
up to 15% of the
countrys freshwater.
This mystical wetland is
the home of indigenous
Manobo people who live
in clusters of wood and
bamboo houses built on
rafts of floating logs.
Home of Lolong.

BINABA FALLS. A 10minute motorboat ride

from the mini-wharf of
the Gibong Recreation
Center where the
crystal clear water
displays the nakedness
of natures uninhibited
wealth.

LAKE HIMBANG. The lake

is an alternative
destination of Agusan
Marsh. The thrill of riding
a motorized small boat or
a wooden-boat (made of
a log) while admiring the
tranquility and view of
the lake plus a relaxing
meal at the floating
cottage are some of its
attractions, which you
would never want to
miss.

Cagwait Beachmay be unheard ofbut not for long.

This horseshoe-shaped island is fringed with trees and
glimmering waters. Swim, get tanned, and camp in this

If you fancy island hopping, thenBritania Group of

Islandsis what you have been missing. Get acquainted
with the 24 islets rising above the seafloor.

Festivals

Sumayajaw Festival: Held every August 14 during the

town fiesta ofJabonga, is a thanksgiving celebration for
the bounties showered by the Heavenly Father through
the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Lady of
Assumpcion patroness of Jabonga.

Lisagan Festival:Held every 3rdSunday of October is an

annual celebration that showcases the Mamanwa dance
healing rituals. It is a re-enactment of a miraculous
healing of a Mamanwa native in 1910 while dancing in
front of the statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This statue
was brought to Magallanes from Las Nieves, Barcelona

Araw ng Agusan del

Norte: This is a founding
anniversarycelebration of
the Province of Agusan del
Norte every June 13-17.
Activities: Trade Exhibit;
State of the Province
Address; Barangay Night;
Employees Day; Peoples
Day; Inter-Agency Sports
Competition; Concert at
the Park; Choral
Competitions; Flatboat
Race and a national 4 x 4

Saging Festival :Held every 2ndweek of January during

Araw ng Buenavista is an Agri Fair that showcases the
bounties of Buenavista with special focus on the banana

NALIYAGAN (June 12-17,

Government Center,
Prosperidad). The festival
depicts the Agusanon
culture and heritage.
Natives from far-flung
areas of the province
participate in the festivity
by displaying their skills
and gracefulness in a
natural way. A trade fair
showcasing the
provinces own
products also takes place

SANTIKAN (June 12-15,

Trento). Santikan is a Manobo
word which means to strike
or the striking of two hard
objects to create fiction or
fire. It is to this essence that
the festival is highlighted by
different friendly competitions
throughout its duration.

KAHIMUNAN (First Sunday of January, Bayugan). Local

version of Sinulog of Cebu, the main attraction of this
particular festival is the street dancing. The dances are
focused on Agusan del Surs indigenous culture.

KAAMULAN (September 23, Salug, Esperanza). This is a

yearly convergence of all tribal leaders in Agusan del Sur.
The festivals highlight is the performance of authentic
tribal rituals by the tribal priests.

Famous Food and

Delicacies

Sahangis ais a sea snail which is abundant in the bodies

of water of Surigao. It is then cooked adobo style with bell
pepper.

What sets apart Surigaos

kinilaw among others is its
exotic flavor. This local
delicacy is made of raw fish
and it does not involve any
form of cooking. To prepare
this native cuisine, the people
of Surigao debone and wash
the raw fishes and combine it
with a number of condiments.
The perfect mix of ginger,
vinegar, onions, chilli peppers,
and salt makes this delicacy a
haven for your taste buds.

Sayongsongis a ricebased delicacy of

Agusan Del Norte. It is
made of ground
ordinary rice, ground
glutinous rice, roasted
peanut, brown sugar,
and coconut milk. Juice
from 1 piece lemoncito,
better known as
kalamansi, can be
added if desired.

Binagais a native term for roasting mudfish which is

abundant in Agusan del Sur.

This delicacy is unfamiliar to

tourists and even Filipinos
coming from Manila.Poot
poot ginamosis a unique and
tasty treat from Surigao. This
flavorful delicacy is made of
small fishes locally known as
poot poot. This type of fish
can only be found in
Philippine shores. This fish
specialty comes with
fermented fish sauce which is
very cheap, making it even
more popular to tourists.

Gigaquit Rhum is one of the most popular native

beverages in Surigao. It even ranks number four in the
top five delicacies of the city. This rare and flavorful
beverage is fermented at a Sasa tree which is found in
Surigao. This is quite similar to the tuba but its tastier.

Dried Pijanga . Also

known as white
goby, this first class
dried fish comes from
Lake Mainit in Surigao
del Norte. This
delicacy has a special
story because its
produced from the
efforts of the rural
agrarian reform
community of
Surigao.

Nilusakis cassava that is mashed with sugar and

margarine, sprinkled with grated mature coconut, and
rolled into ping-pong sized balls. The yellow color of the
cassava, speckled with the white coconut,

Nilambiranis a different
version of thesuman. It
is made of two kinds of
glutinous rice, the
purplish red and the
white, cooked
separately with coconut
milk, sugar and salt,
and delicately
intertwined then
wrapped in banana
leaves. The result is a
delightful brown-andwhite-stripedsuman.

Palagsingis another version of thesumanthat is made

from the starch of the sago palm mixed with coconut and
brown sugar. This is usually eaten along with hot
chocolate or coffee.

CULTURE

Most of its inhabitants speak the

Cebuano dialect and reside in the
rural areas. Other dialects spoken:
Surigaonon
Kamayo
Boholanon
Manobo
Butuanon
Hiligaynon

Majority of the
inhabitants of the
region are of Visayan
lineage. The ethnic
residents include the
Manobo, the
Mamanwa and other
tribes.

The Mamanwa marriage is

monogamous and is an extended
patriarchal family in authority.

Like the Manobos and Mandayas,

the Mamanwas believe in spirit of
the forest (Diwata/Anitos).

Their dead were either laid on a

platform built beside a tree , or
wrapped in a mat and bamboo slats
and hung up a tree. After the
funeral, the relatives of the
deceased abandon their dwellings
and clearings.

A widowed husband usually lies

beside his deceased wife while
relatives and friends sit around
them.

The most
dominant religion
in the region is
Roman Catholic.

Tuwaang Attends a Wedding

recorded and translated by E.
Arsenio Manuel

E. Arsenio Manuel
was a writer,
instructor, dean
ofPhilippine
Anthropology, and the
"Father of Philippine
Folklore."

E. Arsenio Manuel
His more-than-half-a-century work in
anthropology includes research and documentation
of the Manuvu community inMindanao and the
discovery and publication of three ethnoepics from
three ethnic groups: theManuvu, theMatigsalug,
and theIlianon. He also studiedBagobofolklore and
made a survey ofPhilippinefolk epics. His work
greatly enriched Philippine anthropology, history,
literature, and linguistics.

Background of the story

The Tuwaang is a epic of the Manobo that
serves as a pastime during funerals,
marriages, rituals of thanksgiving for the
bountiful harvest, or a successful hunt .

Background of the story

Each song of the epic of Tuwaang is introduced
by a singer using a poem called by the
Manobos Tabbayanon that has 2 parts: the
Tabbayanon brings interest and often professes
feelings and dreams of the singer, and the
Bantangon that indicates the beginning of the
songs. There are more than 50 songs of
Tuwaang but until now, only 2 songs are
published.

SETTING:
Monawon

POINT OF VIEW:
Third person

CHARACTERS

Characters
Tuwaang the brave hero in the story and very famous to
every land for his might and bravery.
Dalaga of Monawon the bride
Young man of Sakadna the groom
THE GALLANTS
Young man of Liwanon came from the world outside Earth
Young man of Panayangan deity of trees and insects
Young man of rising sun
Young man of Mandalangin
Young man of Auman
Tuwaha god of the underworld

GENRE:
Epic
Folktale

THEME:
Love and war
Jealousy
Gentleness of Filipino women

SUMMARY

Tuwaang received a message of invitation from

the wind saying that he should attend the long
waited wedding of the Dalaga ng Monawon.
Don't go, Tuwaang, his aunt warned him. I feel
that something wrong is going to happen to you
there.
Don't worry, tiyang. I can take care of myself!
he said firmly, determined to go.
You don't understand me, Tuwaang.his aunt
said.

I'm not afraid of anything, tiyang. Right now, all I

ever want is to have a glimpse of the beauty of the
Dalaga ng Monawon.
Tuwaang did not listen to his aunt. He insisted to
go and prepared to attend the grand wedding. He
wore the clothes the goddesses made for him. He
got the heart-shaped basket that could make the
lightning move. He took along with him his sharp
spear and shield and the long knife. He rode in the
lightning and he soon reached the beautiful
boundless plain of Kawkawangan. There, he found
a Gungutan, a bright colored bird that could talk.
The bird wanted to go with him to the grand
wedding so he took it along with him.

When they reached the town of Monawon, they were

politely let into the hall where the wedding would take
place.
The guests started coming one by one. First to come
was the young Binata ng Panayangan, then the
charming Binata ng Sumisikat na Araw. Last to come
was the groom, the Binata ng Sakadna who was with
his one hundred well trained men.

As soon as he arrived, the groom ordered all his

men to drive away the guests who should not be
there or those uninvited guests. Insulted,
Tuwaang told the groom that they, the guests
were all pulang dahon, which meant heroes.
In short time, the ceremony started with the
guests being offered several precious things
that they should top with what they had. Two
were left for the groom but the Binata ng
Sakadna admitted that he didn't have a gold
flute and a gold guitar to top what were left.

Tuwaang came to the quick rescue. With his mysterious

breath, he produced a gold flute, guitar and gong.
The beautiful bride came out of her room and started
offering a bowl containing nganga to every guest. Then
she sat beside Tuwaang that put the groom in a very
embarrassing situation. The groom felt insulted. He
went out the hall and challenged Tuwaang to a fight.

Show me that you deserved the honor my lady

bestowed upon you by sitting next to you! the Binata
ng Sakadna angrily challenged him. Fight me to
death!
Tuwaang slowly stood to accept the challenge but the
beautiful bride held his hand.
Let me just comb your hair before you fight him, the
bride told Tuwaang in a soft whisper. And she lovingly
combed his hair.

Tuwaang glanced and stared at the bride. He saw love

and admiration for him in her eyes.
Take extra care when you face him, the bride warned
him. He does not fight squarely. Tuwaang took her
hand and brought it gently to his mouth and kissed it.
For you, my lady, I'll be careful! he said and came out
of the hall to face the groom.
The bride nodded and waved her hand to him.

Tuwaang and the Gungutan faced the Binata ng

Sakadna and his one hundred well trained men. He
fought fiercely with all his might and after a brief
struggle, he and the Gungutan had killed ninety four of
the groom's men.
With less effort, they subdued the remaining six men
until he and the Binata ng Sakadna were the only ones
left standing. The groom hurled a big stone at Tuwaang
but the stone turned into dust before it hit him.

Because of the intensity of the struggle, the earth

shook and every tree fell down.
The groom grabbed Tuwaang and threw him heavily on
the ground. He sank on the ground and reached Hades.
In Hades, Tuwaang saw Tuhawa, the god of Hades.
Tuhawa told him that the life of the groom was in the
gold flute.

Tuwaang emerged from the ground and killed the

groom by buying the gold flute. The bride ran to him
happily. He embraced her and kissed her on her cheeks
and lips.
Will you go with me? Tuwaang asked the bride.
With all my heart, she answered.
Tuwaang then went home to Kuaman with the bride and
the Gungutan and they lived happily ever after.

CHARACTERS

ROLE

CHARACTERISTI
CS

Tuwaang

Protagonist/
hero

Brave
Mighty

Dalaga of
Monawon

The bride

Thoughtful
Caring

Young man of
Sakadna

Antagonist/
the groom

Brave
Proud

References
http://www.visitmyphilippines.com/index.php?
title=AgusandelSur&Page=1&pid=1166
http://kapitbisig.com/philippines/bilingual-tagalog-englishversion-of-epics-mga-epiko-tuwaang-epic-of-bagobo-bilingualtagalog-english-version.794
http://vimeo.com/28271674
http://docslide.us/documents/tuwaang-epic.html
http://www.philippine-islands.ph/en/caraga-philippines.html
http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/region-13-caraga/
http://www.slideshare.net/LeerThereux/caraga-region46065924

References
http://www.nnc.gov.ph/regional-offices/caraga/58-regioncaraga-profile/322-caraga-region-history-and-geography
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caraga
http://www.agusandelnorte.gov.ph/index.php/touristdestinations/festivals-and-events
http://agsur.blogspot.com/2010/01/thirteen-years-ago-when-ifirst-step.html
https://prezi.com/kjspe-k9e_lo/tuwaang-attends-a-wedding/
http://www.adntourism.com/culture/
http://fil.wikipilipinas.org/index.php/Tuwaang